Learn A Few Words…
We recommend that you learn a few words of the language of the Tribe that you will be visiting. This will help your integration in the village, as the residents always appreciate that foreigners try to get to know the language. Here are some of the basic greetings:
| Thai | Hello = Sawat-dii kha (for women) – Sawat-dii khrap (for men)
Thank You = Khawp khun kha / khrap What is your name? = Khun cheu arai kha / khrap? My name is = Di-chan cheu (your name)(for women) – Phom cheu (your name)(for men) It’s very delicious = Arawy |
| Akha | Hello (I bow my head in greeting) = U du tah ma
Thank You = Gui lah hui mi a de I have come to a visit = Daw deh g’a la eu ma What is your name? = Naw eu tsaw myah a jo eh ku te? My name is = (Your name) leh ku eu meh |
| Lahu | Hello = Au bo ui dya
Thank you (The blessing is big) = Au bo ui dya I’ve come for a visit = La ve ca gui What is your name? = Naw aw meh a hto ma meh ve le? My name is = (Name) meh ve It’s very delicious! = Meh ja ve |
Lonely Planet has published a Thai Hilltribes Phrasebook than can be purchased at any good library in Thailand.
